Vivid green botryoidal malachite with eye-like concentric patterns - Free-form sculptural specimen - Height: 338 mm - Width: 144 mm- 3529 g - (1)

04
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17
hours
15
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02
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Current bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Antonio Rapisarda
Expert
Selected by Antonio Rapisarda

Holds a master’s in chemistry with 25 years’ experience in minerals consulting.

Estimate  € 800 - € 900
NL
€1

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Malachite botrioidale with concentric eye-like patterns from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a free-form sculptural specimen mounted on a dark wood and brass base, dimensions 338 × 144 × 74 mm and weight 3529 g, featuring a board-molten Chrysocolla inclusion as described.

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Description from the seller

Wood and Brass Stand — We present a mineral sculpture with a strong visual impact: a remarkable botryoidal Malachite section with Chrysocolla, originating from the rich deposits of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The specimen has been expertly polished on one face to reveal its hypnotic internal structure and mounted on an elegant custom base, turning it into a natural work of art. The dominant feature is the surface studded with concentric “eyes,” which give the piece a dynamic and almost organic depth. The main face of the specimen is a masterpiece of smoothing that highlights the botryoidal, or “grape cluster,” morphology typical of Malachite. Each spherical globe, once cut and polished, reveals a sequence of concentric rings that attest to its layered growth. The color palette ranges from a deep, velvety forest green to bands of bright emerald green, almost fluorescent. The mirror polish not only intensifies these colors but creates plays of light and reflections that animate the surface, inviting exploration of every detail. These patterns, reminiscent of eyes, footprints, or mysterious topographies, are the unmistakable signature of high-quality Malachite. The back of the specimen offers a different and complementary perspective. Here, Malachite presents in intimate association with Chrysocolla, another copper silicate with a characteristic color ranging from cyan to turquoise. This surface, less worked but still smooth to the touch, shows the coarser, more natural texture of the symbiosis between the two minerals. The swirls of green and blue create an abstract landscape that beautifully contrasts with the orderly geometric rings on the opposite side, telling the complex geological history of the piece. This specimen is a fascinating product of the oxidation processes that occur in copper deposits. Malachite is a hydrated copper carbonate that forms when waters rich in carbon dioxide percolate through rocks containing copper, depositing the mineral in cavities and fractures. The radial and fibrous growth of the crystals gives rise to the characteristic botryoidal shape. The concentric bands we observe result from tiny variations in the chemical composition of the aqueous solutions over thousands of years. The simultaneous presence of Chrysocolla indicates a shared formation environment, rich in copper and silica. For its size, the quality of the polishing, and the beauty of its patterns, this piece transcends a simple mineral specimen to become a genuine natural sculpture. It is an item destined to become the focal point of any setting, ideal for a professional studio, a library, an art gallery, or a contemporary interior. As a modern Wunderkammer object, it embodies the fascination with nature’s wonders, combining scientific precision with undeniable aesthetic power. The dark wood and brass base, custom-made, completes its presentation, giving it a museum-like elegance. Technical details Name: Botryoidal Malachite with Chrysocolla Classification: Mineral, Hydrated Copper Carbonate and Copper Silicate Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo Dimensions: 338 x 144 x 74 mm Weight: 3529 g Base: Wood and brass Treatments: Polishing

Seller's Story

The Mineral Art Gallery offers minerals, fossils, shells and natural elements. Born in Italy in 2017, today she collaborates with international galleries and collectors, she is a direct importer of large minerals and naturalistic collectible elements; deals with the processing to insert them inside the living space. A section of the gallery was dedicated to the Wunderkammer, "chamber of wonders or cabinet of curiosities" in which Mirabilia elements are presented: naturalia and italiania, a union between "the present is the past". All lots are shipped via DHL Express and Fercam couriers, with insured parcel and tracking.
Translated by Google Translate

Wood and Brass Stand — We present a mineral sculpture with a strong visual impact: a remarkable botryoidal Malachite section with Chrysocolla, originating from the rich deposits of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The specimen has been expertly polished on one face to reveal its hypnotic internal structure and mounted on an elegant custom base, turning it into a natural work of art. The dominant feature is the surface studded with concentric “eyes,” which give the piece a dynamic and almost organic depth. The main face of the specimen is a masterpiece of smoothing that highlights the botryoidal, or “grape cluster,” morphology typical of Malachite. Each spherical globe, once cut and polished, reveals a sequence of concentric rings that attest to its layered growth. The color palette ranges from a deep, velvety forest green to bands of bright emerald green, almost fluorescent. The mirror polish not only intensifies these colors but creates plays of light and reflections that animate the surface, inviting exploration of every detail. These patterns, reminiscent of eyes, footprints, or mysterious topographies, are the unmistakable signature of high-quality Malachite. The back of the specimen offers a different and complementary perspective. Here, Malachite presents in intimate association with Chrysocolla, another copper silicate with a characteristic color ranging from cyan to turquoise. This surface, less worked but still smooth to the touch, shows the coarser, more natural texture of the symbiosis between the two minerals. The swirls of green and blue create an abstract landscape that beautifully contrasts with the orderly geometric rings on the opposite side, telling the complex geological history of the piece. This specimen is a fascinating product of the oxidation processes that occur in copper deposits. Malachite is a hydrated copper carbonate that forms when waters rich in carbon dioxide percolate through rocks containing copper, depositing the mineral in cavities and fractures. The radial and fibrous growth of the crystals gives rise to the characteristic botryoidal shape. The concentric bands we observe result from tiny variations in the chemical composition of the aqueous solutions over thousands of years. The simultaneous presence of Chrysocolla indicates a shared formation environment, rich in copper and silica. For its size, the quality of the polishing, and the beauty of its patterns, this piece transcends a simple mineral specimen to become a genuine natural sculpture. It is an item destined to become the focal point of any setting, ideal for a professional studio, a library, an art gallery, or a contemporary interior. As a modern Wunderkammer object, it embodies the fascination with nature’s wonders, combining scientific precision with undeniable aesthetic power. The dark wood and brass base, custom-made, completes its presentation, giving it a museum-like elegance. Technical details Name: Botryoidal Malachite with Chrysocolla Classification: Mineral, Hydrated Copper Carbonate and Copper Silicate Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo Dimensions: 338 x 144 x 74 mm Weight: 3529 g Base: Wood and brass Treatments: Polishing

Seller's Story

The Mineral Art Gallery offers minerals, fossils, shells and natural elements. Born in Italy in 2017, today she collaborates with international galleries and collectors, she is a direct importer of large minerals and naturalistic collectible elements; deals with the processing to insert them inside the living space. A section of the gallery was dedicated to the Wunderkammer, "chamber of wonders or cabinet of curiosities" in which Mirabilia elements are presented: naturalia and italiania, a union between "the present is the past". All lots are shipped via DHL Express and Fercam couriers, with insured parcel and tracking.
Translated by Google Translate

Details

Number of objects
1
Main mineral
Vivid green botryoidal malachite with eye-like concentric patterns -
Mineral form
Free-form sculptural specimen
Supplement
Large, collectible-quality malachite.
Weight
3529 g
Country of origin
DR Congo
Height
338 mm
Width
144 mm
Depth
74 mm
ItalyVerified
14249
Objects sold
98.38%
protop

Disclaimer

It is believed that certain gemstones and minerals have beneficial health and spiritual properties. However, using or wearing gemstones or minerals does not mean that you can treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult your health care professional for information on health care issues and do not stop any medications or courses of treatment, without first consulting your health care professional. The use of gemstones or minerals as a wellness therapy is one of personal choice. While stones or crystals have been used historically to relieve or prevent symptoms, the objects sold on our website offer no guarantee of results. Therefore, Catawiki cannot guarantee or be held liable for the effectiveness of these objects sold herein.

It is believed that certain gemstones and minerals have beneficial health and spiritual properties. However, using or wearing gemstones or minerals does not mean that you can treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult your health care professional for information on health care issues and do not stop any medications or courses of treatment, without first consulting your health care professional. The use of gemstones or minerals as a wellness therapy is one of personal choice. While stones or crystals have been used historically to relieve or prevent symptoms, the objects sold on our website offer no guarantee of results. Therefore, Catawiki cannot guarantee or be held liable for the effectiveness of these objects sold herein.

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